Was this a Lexus dealership?

 

Yes, Gates. Guess they have it wrong. Seems that the 3MZ-FE VVT-i is interference while the 3MZ-FE (non-VVT-i) is not. Surprising no one has corrected this mistake.

Saw your posts on the other forum.

FWIW, the timing belt taken off my sister's 2006 was pristine at 90K. Still, best to follow the recommendations.

 

I applaud you for taking such care of your RX330. But I think you will be good for a while on getting the timing belt done. I have owned (3) Lexus vehicles over the last few years and have loved all 3. I always got the timing belt and water pump changed around 100k and almost every time my mechanic said the belt still was in good shape. So I say that to say that you are in great shape at 60k. The engine in the RX330 is almost bulletproof and will last forever.

 

I am liking that statement!

 

"The timing belt for the RX 330 does no damage to the engine. Thus according to my mechanic at the dealership... owned by my cousin..."
I've got same message from Lexus mechanic as well.

 

Cool.....

 

I understand what you are saying and that works for me. I say we chalk it up to a difference of technician's views.

Here is one he saw: "I had a 05 Highlander with the 3.3 engine, a spring broke, kicked out the shim, shim lodge and locked up the cam, cam stopped. It bent every intake valve on that entire bank ..... all Toyota engines with a rubber timing belt are not valve munchers except the 3.3 V6, 4.7V8 and the Tercel 5E used in the last gen Tercel and Paseo. .... you can take that to the bank."

As for me, I replaced ours too early (around 93K), but it was piece of mind. Next time I will wait until around 105K.

As usual, YMMV.

 

I`m waiting until 120,000 miles, and do the Spark plugs @ the same time.

 

Just broke down while driving due to lose timing belt tensioner. 92 k Miles 2005 RX 330. $960 to fix at Toyota, but don't know if any damage happen to the engine.

 

I keep reminding folks ...

Look at the bigger picture .. by postponing from 90k to 110k (pick your own number for your calculations) how many timing belt changes would you save (all number in k miles)
90, 180, 270, 360, 450
110, 220, 340, 450,

Math shows you 5 vs 4 replacements and now add reality ... would you still be owning the vehicle?
Also pay attention to the various things in the drive train.

Salim

 

I changed my belt and water pump after 110K miles, belt was almost dead. Next time i will change it after 85000 miles.

So my advice is, dont play with this belt. Change it on time, and of course take a look at it periodically. AS mentioned above broken belt is game over for engine.

 

I could see checking on the accessory belt periodically, however, as this discussion is about the RX330 timing belt I am a bit confused on how you expect to take a look at it periodically.

 

My neighbor's '04 RX 330 190K hasn't had a timing belt replacement since the day he purchased it. All i have to say is wow!!!

 

Bad idea... But good reliability science experiment... More volunteers?

 

Replaced our belt, idlers, water belt on an 04 RX330 at 130000 miles. While not a recommendation (we were spacing out expenses), the old belt looked practically new.

Just a data point...